Take-off device

ABSTRACT

A take-off device is disclosed, for use with a revolving machine, for removing bags of material from the revolving machine, the take-off device comprising revolving means operative to revolve the take-off device at a speed proportionate to the speed of the revolution of the revolving machine, a plurality of bag carrying means operative to support the bags, and positioning means operative to place the plurality of bag carrying means in proper position to remove the bags from the revolving machine.

United States Patent 1191 Seals Oct. 21, 1975 TAKE-OFF DEVICE [75]Inventor: Harold Seals, South Pittsburg, Tenn.

[73] Assignee: Larry Harold Kline Charleston,

[22] Filed: July 11, 1974 [21] Appl. N0.: 487,448

[52] US. Cl 141/151; 141/281 [51] Int. Cl. B65B 3/04; 8653 H04 [58]Field of Search 141/281, -l5l, 83, 10, 67,

[56] References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 888,639 9/1943France 141/151 Primary Examinerl-louston 3 Bell, Jr. Attorney, Agent, orFirmLarry Harold Kline [57] ABSTRACT A take-off device is disclosed, foruse with a revolving machine, for removing bags of material from therevolving machine, the take-off device comprising revolving meansoperative to revolve the take-off device at a speed proportionate to thespeed of the revolution of the revolving machine, a plurality of bagcarrying means operative to support the bags, and positioning meansoperative to place the plurality of bag carrying means in properposition to remove the bags from the revolving machine.

31 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures U atent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 1 of 12 H6 H5H3 I22 FIG. i

US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 2 of 12 FIG. 2

U.S.atent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet30f 12 3,913,638

Sheet 5 of 12 I US. atent 0a. 21, 1975 Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet6of123,913,638

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

U.atent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet7ofl2 3,913,638

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet8of 12 3,913,638

274 3| I 3IO US. atent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet9of 12 3,913,638

FIG. ll

US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 10 of 12 3,913,38

Sheet 11 of 12 FiG. l3

Shest 12 0f 12 1913,63

US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 TAKE-OFF DEVICE This invention relates to bagfilling machines and more particularly to a revolving machine forplacing material in bags.

Many industries require fluidized or flowing powdery materials, such ascement, fertilizer, lime, clay, and other small granular or powderyfluidized materials, to be placed in bags. The Applicant has invented animproved bagging machine which revolves and which contains many new anduseful innovations.

The Applicant is simultaneously filing six patent applications, of whichthis is one, covering various inventions used in the revolving baggingmachine. The features of these inventions are all contained within thispatent application.

An object of the present inventions is to produce a revolving baggingmachine which can bag various materials at a high rate of speed.

Still another object of these inventions is to provide an automaticmeans for removing bags from a revolving bagging machine.

A further object of these inventions is to provide for a spillcollection device for use with the revolving bagging machine.

Still another object of these inventions is to provide a bagger tank,structurally designed to aid in the bagging process.

Another object of these inventions is to provide sloped guide platesurfaces for forming, both, voids for various purposes and funnels toaid in material flow.

Still another object (if these inventions is to provide a revolvingmeans to revolve, both, a bagging machine and a take-off device. 1

Another object of these inventions is to provide for a take-off devicefor use with a revolving machine which revolves at a speed proportionateto the speed of the revolving machine.

Still another object of these inventions is to provide for a housing foran impeller which has an enclosure with access means allowing for easyaccess for maintenance purposes.

Another object of these inventions is to provide an impeller shaftturning device comprising hydraulic means operative to control the motorwhich rotates the shaft of the impeller.

Still another object of these inventions is to provide a bag housing andfilling device which holds the bag, when material is flowing into it,and releases the bag, when material is not flowing into it.

Another object of these inventions is to provide means for use with abag holding and filling device which will not allow material to flow, ifno bag is being held.

These and other objects and features of the invention will be apparentfrom the following description and appended claims. Briefly, theinvention comprises a machine for placing material in bags comprisingmachine revolving means operative to revolve the machine, materialholding means in which the material may be held, machine supportstructure operative to physically support the machine, and materialbagging means operative to place the material, held in the materialholding means, into the bags. The machine may further comprise bagremoval means operative to remove the bags from the material baggingmeans. The bag removal means may be a take-off device. The machine mayfurther comprise a spill collection device operative to collect any ofthe material which might escape from the material bagging means. Thematerial holding means may comprise a bagger tank. The bagger tank maycomprise an outer surface shaped like a cylinder, an inner slopinginterior shell surface circular at the top and bottom, and a bottomconnecting the outer surface to the inner sloping interior shellsurface. The bagger tank may further comprise a plurality of slopedguide plate surfaces, all of which emanate from the bottom and arephysically connected to the outer surface and the inner sloping interiorshell surface, each of the plurality of sloped guide plate surfaces withanother of the plurality of sloped guide plate surfaces form a void inthe bagger tank, whereby none of the material may enter. Each of theplurality of sloped guide plate surfaces with still another of theplurality of sloped guide plate surfaces form a funnel through which thematerial may flow. The machine may further comprise a cover for thebagger tank operative to prevent particles of the material from escapinginto the atmosphere. The cover may contain a plurality of feeder holesthrough which the material may be placed in the bagger tank. Thematerial holding means may further comprise a plurality of feeder meansoperative to bring the material to the feeder holes to be deposited inthe bagger tank. The bottom may contain a plurality of dump openingsthrough which the material may flow into the material bagging means. Themachine revolving means may comprise motor means, wheel means operativeresponsive to the motor means, and machine driving means operativeresponsive to the wheel means. The wheel means may comprise a sprocket.The machine driving means may comprise a sprocket chain welded to themachine, whereby when the sprocket is moved by the motor means, thesprocket will mesh with the sprocket chain causing the machine torevolve. The motor means may comprise an electrical motor, a speedreducer connected to the electrical motor, and an output shaft emanatingfrom the speed reducer. The material bagging means may comprise aplurality of impellers, a plurality of housings operative to hold thematerial which flows from the material holding means, a plurality ofimpeller shafts each operative to support one of the plurality ofimpellers, a plurality of impeller shaft turning means each operative toturn one or more of the plurality of impeller shafts, and a plurality ofbag holding and filling means operative to hold the bags and to fill thebags with the material. The plurality of housings is operative to houseone of the plurality of impellers.

The take-off device for use with a revolving machine basically comprisesrevolving means operative to revolve the take-off device at a speedproportionate to the speed of revolution of the revolving machine, aplurality of bag carrying means operative to support the bags when thebags are taken from the revolving machine, and positioning meansoperative to place the plurality of bag carrying means in properposition to remove the bags from the revolving machine. The takeoffdevice further comprises removal means, to remove the bags from theplurality of bag carrying means. The revolving means basically comprisesmotor means, first wheel means physically connected to the output of themotor means and operative to revolve the revolving machine, second wheelmeans physically connected to the same output of the motor means as isthe first wheel means, a center shaft on the take-off device, and shaftdriving means connected to the second wheel means and operative torevolve the center shaft of the take-off device. The motor meansbasically comprises an electrical motor, a speed reducer, and an outputshaft emanating from the speed reducer. First and second wheel means arephysically connected to the output shaft of the speed reducer. The firstwheel means may comprise a sprocket. The second wheel means may comprisea take-off device drive sprocket. The shaft driving means may comprise acenter shaft driving wheel means which is attached to the center shaftof the take-off device. A drive chain may be driven by a shaft drivingsprocket. The shaft driving means further comprises a drive chainsupport track and a shaft support structure. The revolving means mayrevolve the take-off device six times for every one revolution of therevolving machine or may be set up for any multiple of revolutionsdesired. The plurality of bag carrying means comprises an outer shaftand a plurality of holding means connected to the outer shaft. Theplurality of holding means basically comprises a plurality of cradle armsupports, a plurality of swivel connections, and a plurality of bagcradles each connected to one of the plurality of swivel connections.The plurality of bag cradles may comprise a plurality of cradle supportsides and a plurality of back and side arms. The plurality of bagcradles further comprises a plurality of cradle lifters, two of eachbeing connected to two of the plurality of back and side arms which areconnected to one of the plurality of cradle support sides. The pluralityof holding means further comprises a plurality of cradle arm braces. Theplural ity of holding means further comprises a plurality of rigidsupports. The positioning means. basically comprises movement allowingmeans which is operative so that the plurality of bag carrying meansrevolves with the take-off device proportionate to the speed ofrevolution of the revolving machine, but allows each of the plurality ofbag carrying means to be capable of movement up and down. Thepositioning means further comprises up and down movement means operativeto move the plurality of bag carrying means up and down. The up and downmovement means basically comprises a base located at the bottom of thetake-off device and circling the take-off device, and guiding trackresting on the base. The up and down movement means further comprises aplurality of wheels which are operative to ride on the guiding track.The guiding track is structured to provide up and down movement of theplurality of wheels. The guiding track is structured so that a graph ofmovement of any one of the plurality of wheels versus the time ofmovement would be a sinusoidal graph. Movement allowing means basicallycomprises a slot located in the outershaft and a key located on thecenter shaft and fitting through the slot on the outer shaft, wherebythe key causes the outer shaft to revolve with the center shaft, butallows up and down movement of the outer shaft along the slot. Thetakeoff device may be located with respect to the revolving machine sothat each pair of the plurality of cradle lifters on the take-off devicemay remove a bag from one ofa plurality of bag supports on the revolvingmachine. The cradle lifters will go underneath the bag which is restingon the stool and stool supports, and due to the up and down movementwill lift the bag from the stool and stool support and carry it aroundthe take-off device.

The housing for the impeller, which is mounted on the impeller shaft andis capable of moving material, basically comprises an enclosure withinwhich the impeller, mounted on the impeller shaft, may be placed. Theenclosure has a plurality of shaft openings through which the impellershaft may extend. A plurality of shaft opening packing means or glandnuts are secured to the enclosure at each of the plurality ofshaftopenings. A plurality of packing material, such as wool or fiberpacking, is placed within each of the plurality of shaft opening packingmeans and around the impeller shaft. The molded top of the impellerhousing has an opening through which material may be placed in theenclosure or impeller housing. The molded top with the opening comprisesmaterial entrance means. Material exit means comprises a spout openingthrough which material may exit from the housing. Access means in theenclosure allows access for maintenance purposes within the enclosure.Access means comprises an ac cess door, attachment means connecting theaccess door tothe enclosure and securing means holding the access dooronto the enclosure. The attachmentmeans comprises a hinge which connectstheaccess door to the enclosure or impeller housing. The securingmeanscomprises a bracket and a securing or opening: bolt. The access meansfurther comprises sealing means to keep any of the material fromescaping through the access door. The sealing meanscomprises a gasket.The securing means further comprises an impeller housing support moldedonto the enclosure and a plurality of mounting bolts to secure thebracket to the impeller housing support. i

The spill collection device for the revolving machine,

which bags material, includes material landing means located below theposition in the revolving machine where the material is bagged. Theexcess material will fall onto the material landing means. Materialcollec:

tion means is operative to collect the material which falls onto thematerial landing means. Material return means is operative to return theexcess material which falls onto the material landing means to therevolving machine. The material collection means comprises a pluralityof collectors, and a plurality of collectordrag means. The materialcollection means further comprises a plurality of sweep means. Theplurality of sweep means may comprise a plurality of sweep arms. Thematerial collection means further comprises a plurality of sweep dragmeans. The material collection means further comprises a plurality ofbalance means, Y

eachconnected to one of the plurality of collectors and operative tomaintain proper balance for the plurality of collectors. Cone drag barscomprise a plurality of balance means. The plurality of collectors maycornprise a plurality of cones. The plurality of collector drag meansmay comprise a plurality of chains. The

plurality of sweep means may comprise a plurality of sweep arms. Theplurality of sweep drag means may comprise a plurality of chains. Theplurality of balance means may comprise a plurality of drag bars. Thematerial landing means may comprise a circular trough, a

circular inner sloping surface connected to the trough, and a circularouter sloping surface connected to the.

side of the trough opposite from the inner sloping surface. Theplurality of cones is dragged through the circular trough. The pluralityof sweep arms is dragged on the surface of the circular outer slopingsurface. The material return means may comprise a plurality of spillremoval holes, a plurality of spill removal means, and a plurality ofelevating means. The spill removal holes are located in the materiallanding means. The plurality of spill removal means may be a pluralityof conveyors. The plurality of elevating means, which are operative toelevate the excess material and return the excess material to therevolving machine, may be a plurality of elevators.

The plurality of impeller shaft turning devices is used to turn thevarious impellers in the invention. Looking at one impeller shaftturning device, it is used in rotating the shaft of an impeller within ahousing in a revolving machine, to aid in impelling material into a bag.The impeller shaft turning device comprises motor means operative torotate the shaft of an impeller, and hydraulic means operative tocontrol the motor means. The motor means may be a hydraulic motor. Thehydraulic means may comprise a fluid supply means which provides a flowof fluid to the hydraulic means, start and stop control means operativeto start and stop the flow of the fluid to the hydraulic motor, and flowcontrol means operative to control the quantity of fluid to thehydraulic motor after the start and stop control means allow flow of thefluid to the hydraulic motor, whereby the flow control valve controlsthe speed of rotation of the shaft. The impeller shaft turning devicehas hydraulic means further comprising pressure relief means operativeto maintain constant speed of the hydraulic motor when a plurality ofhydraulic motors is operated using the same fluid supply means. Thestart and stop control means may comprise a directional control valve.The flow control means may comprise a flow control valve. The fluidsupply means may comprise a pressure header from which fluid flows tothe hydraulic motor and a return header to which fluid flows from thehydraulic motor. The start and stop control means may comprise startingmeans operative to start the flow of fluid to the hydraulic motor andstopping means operative to stop the flow of fluid to the hydraulicmotor. The starting and stopping means, both, may comprise a solenoid.Both the start and stop solenoids may be activated by microswitches. Thestart solenoid may be activated by a microswitch located on therevolving machine, when the shaft of an impeller should be rotated toaid the revolving machine to impel the material into the bag. The stopsolenoid may be activated by a microswitch located on the revolvingmachine when a pre-determined amount of the material has entered thebag. The pre-determined amount may be determined by a scale beam balancescale system. The flow control means is adjustable to control the flowof the fluid to the hydraulic motor to a pre-determined amount per timeinterval and is thereby operative to control the speed of the hydraulicmotor to a predetermined speed and to be adjusted to control the speedof the hydraulic motor to aid in impelling the material into the bag,which may be necessitated by material of varying particle size and byatmospheric conditions. The fluid supply means may comprise a fluidsource means operative to provide a source of fluid, a pressure headerfrom which the fluid may flow to the hydraulic motor, and a returnheader to which fluid may flow from the hydraulic motor. The fluidsource means may comprise a hydraulic pump means connected to thepressure header and operative to pump the fluid to the pressure header,pump motor driving means operative to control the hydraulic pump means,

a reservoir operative to hold a supply of fluid, pressure I relief meansconnected to said hydraulic pump means and operative to relievepressure, and cooling means connected to the return header and operativeto cool the fluid when it is returned to the reservoir from the returnheader. The pump motor driving means may comprise an electrical startand stop switch. The fluid source means further comprises a suctionstrainer located between the hydraulic pump and the reservoir operativeto strain the fluid. The fluid source means may further comprise afilter located between and connected to the return line header and thereservoir to aid in purifying the fluid being returned to the reservoir.The cooling means may comprise a heat exchanger. The pump motor drivingmeans may be an electrical motor. The impeller shaft turning device mayfurther comprise a coupling connected to the output of the motor meansand connecting to the shaft of the impeller. The impeller shaft turningdevice may further comprise a universal joint operative to connect theshaft of impeller to a second shaft of another impeller, whereby thesecond shaft of another impeller may be rotated by the same motor meansas the shaft of an impeller. The impeller shaft turning device is asealed system and is impervious to dust and atmospheric conditions.

The revolving machine comprises a plurality of bag holding and fillingdevices, for placing material into bags. A bag holding and fillingdevice, for placing material into a bag, comprises bag clamping meansoperative to hold the bag onto the device and pinch means physicallyconnected to the bag clamping means operative to control the flow of thematerial into the bag, whereby when the pinch means allowsthe materialto flow into the bag, the bag clamping means will hold the bag onto thedevice and when the pinch means does not allow the material to flow intothe bag, the bag clamping means will release the bag. The bag holdingand filling device further comprises bag insert interlock contact meansoperative to cause the pinch means not to allow the material to flowwhen no bag is being held by the bag clamping means. The bag holding andfilling devices further comprises weight evaluation means operative whenthe material in the bag reaches a predetermined weight to activate thepinch means to stop the flow of the material into the bag. The bagholding and filling device further comprises a material flow hosethrough which the material flows. When the material flow hose is pinchedand the material is stopped from flowing by the pinch means, the pinchmeans operates to stop the flow of material into the-bag. The bagholding and filling device further comprises a spout connected to thematerial flow hose through which the material flows into the bag. Thepinch means may be a pinch valve mechanism. The pinch valve mechanismmay comprise an air cylinder, an air cylinder control valve operative tocontrol the air cylinder, and a plurality of linkage bars operativeresponsive to the air cylinder, whereby when the pinch means operates tostop the flow of the material into the bag, the plurality of linkagebars pinches the material flow hose. The bag clamping means comprises aclamping mechanism apparatus operative to clamp the bag against thespout when the bag clamping means is holding the bag onto the device.The bag holding and filling device further comprises a lever rodconnected to one of the plurality of linkage bars and to the clampingmechanism apparatus, whereby when the pinch means operates to allow flowof the material into the bag, the lever rod is positioned to press theclamping mechanism against the spout. The bag insert interlock contactmeans. may comprise an electrical contact in the clamping mechanismapparatus, whereby when the clamping mechanism apparatus is pressedagainst the spout, an electrical connection is made, and a bag insertinterlock solenoid valve activated when the electrical contact makes anelectrical connection with the spout and operative to activate the aircylinder control valve to cause the plurality of linkage bars to pinchthe material flow hose and stop the flow of material, whereby thematerial will not flow unless a bag, acting as an insulator, prevents anelectrical connection between the electrical contact and the spout. Thebag holding and filling device further comprises bag support meansoperative to hold the bag to be filled with the material. The bagsupport means may comprise a bag channel support connected to therevolving machine, stool support apparatus connected to the bag channelsupport, and a stool connected to the stool support apparatus operativeto hold a bag to be filled with the material. The stool supportapparatus may comprise a stool support arm connected to the bag channelsupport, an adjusting stool support connected to the stool andadjustably connected to the stool support arm, and a plurality of heightadjusting nuts operative to hold the adjusting stool support at apre-determined height, whereby a bag may be placed on the stool and maybe raised or lowered by the adjusting stool support to be properlypositioned to receive the material into the bag.

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription and appended claims when taken with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one side of the bagging machine, withoutthe cover on the bagger tank, further showing the take-off device anddrive mechanisms.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the other sideof the bagging machineshowing the cover and one feed conveyor.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the bagging machine, cut-away to show supportmembers and leveling devices, also showing the position of cam 422 withrespect to the bagging machine.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the bagging machine taken at points A-A ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view taken from a point below the machinery platform ofthe bagging machine. 3

FIG. 6 is a section view taken at points BB in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a section view taken at points CC in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plane front view showing a portion of the bagging machinesimpeller housings drive shafts, supporting mechanisms, and impellerhydraulic control mechanisms showing a cut-away view of a voidcontaining the hydraulic control mechanisms.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view taken from the side of impeller housing 274,further showing the associated bag clamping mechanisms.

FIG. 10 is a section view taken at points D--D in FIG. 9, which is fromthe rear of impeller housing 274, showing the interior of said impellerhousing.

FIG. 11 is a section view showing the clamping mechanisms and balancescale mechanisms associated with impeller housing 274.

FIG. 12 is a top view ofthe machinery platform showing the hydraulicsystem' and air compressor thereon, in a black box format, furthershowing twelve triangular voids. g

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the bagging machine drive mechanism andthe take-off device drive mechanism.

FIG. 14 is an, isometric view of the lower section of the take-offdevice.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one sideof the bagging machine, without the cover on the bagger tank, furthershowing the takeoff device and drive mechanisms. FIG. 2 is a perspectiveview of the other side of the bagging machine showing the cover and onefeed conveyor. FIGS. 1 and 2 will be discussed together.

The complete bagging machine consists of many individual structuralpieces, an upper supporting structure 3 comprises upper support to whichthe center shaft 4 of the baggingmachine is attached. Electrical brushrigging 5 is attached onto center shaft 4 of the bagging machine.Supporting beams 7, 8, 9, l0, ll, 12, 13, and 14 (see FIG. 3) emanatefrom the center shaft 4.The bagger tank is formed withoutsidecylindrical surface 1, inner sloping interior shell suface 1S,and. bottom 315. Inside rim 6 of the shell structure rests on top of thesloping interior shell surface 15 of the bagger tank. Supporting beams7,8, 9, 10, ll, 12, 13, and 14 are physically connected to the inside ofouter surface l, the inside rim 6, and the top of sloping interior shellsurface 15 for purposes of stability. For further sup port, supportingbeam 7 is attached to structural support 219, supporting beam '9 isattached to structual.

support 218, supporting beam 11 is attached to structural support 221,and supporting beam 13 isattached to structural supports 220. 1

FIG. 2 is shown with a cover l77on the bagger tank.

valve 32, support 21 supports air start valve 33 and start microswitch42, support 22 supports air start valve 34, support 23 supports airstart valve 35 andstart mi croswitch 43, support 24 supports air startvalve 36,

support 25 supports air start valve 37 and start micro switch 44,support 26 supports air startvalue 38, support 27 supports air startvalve 39 and start microswitch 45. I

On this bagging machine which has 24 .spout's, 12 more supports, such assupports l6, l7, 18, 19, 20, 21,

22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27, will be located on the back of the baggingmachine, not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Below each support 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,. 26, and 27 is a bag channel support and aspout. Below support 16 is bag channel support 46and spout 58, belowsupport 17 is bag channel support 47. and I spout 59, below support 18is bag channel support 48 and spout 60, below support 19 is bag channelsupport 49 and spout 61, below support 20 is bag channel sup-..

port 50 and spout 62, below support 21 is bagichannel support 51 andspout 63, below support 22 is bag chan; nel support 52 and spout 64,below support 23 is bag channel support 53 and spout 65, below support24is bag channel support 54 and spout 66, below support 25 is bagchannel support 55 and spout 67, below support 26 is bag channel support56 and spout 68, and below support 27 is bag channel support 57 andspout 69.

Details of various apparatuses in the area of the bag channel supportsand spouts are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for purposes of clarity.FIGS. 9, l0, and 11 show these areas in detail, many of these detailswhich would be observable when viewing the bagging machine from theviews taken in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Located at the bottom of the bag channel supports are a stool and stoolsupports. Connected to bag channel support 46 is stool and stoolsupports 70, connected to bag channel support 47 is stool and stoolsupports 71, connected to bag channel support 48 is stool and stoolsupports 72, connected to bag channel support 49 is stool and stoolsupports 73, connected to bag channel support 50 is stool annd stoolsupports 74, connected to bag channel support 51 is stool and stoolsupports 75, connected to bag channel support 52 is stool and stoolsupports 76, connected to bag channel support 53 is stool and stoolsupports 77, connected to bag channel support 54 is stool and stoolsupports 78, connected to bag channel support 55 is stool and stoolsupports 79, connected to bag channel support 56 is stool and stoolsupports 80, connected to bag channel support 57 is stool and stoolsupports 81, the apparatus in connection with stool and stool supports70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77,78, 79, 80, and 81 is not shown in detailin FIGS. 1 and 2. Details of the stool and stool supports are shown inFIG. 11.

A rolled tee-bar 113 circles the upper portion of the outer surface 1 ofthe bagger tank. Welded sprocket chain 112 is welded to rolled tee-bar113. The drive mechanisms for the bagging machine revolve the baggingmachine through the meshing of the welded sprocket chain 112 withsprocket 114, which is driven by speed reducer 115 and electrical motor116. Speed reducer 115 and electrical motor 116 are mounted onsupporting beam 117. The take-off device 2 is driven by electrical motor1 l6 and speed reducer 115 through take-off device drive sprocket 118which is physically connected to an output shaft of speed reducer 115below sprocket 114 and is not shown in FIG. 1 but is detailed in FIG.13.

Take-off device drive chain 119 is physically attached to take-offdevice drive sprocket 118 and to shaft driving sprocket 121 which isrigidly connected to the take-off device center shaft 122. Take-offdevice drive chain 119 is supported on drive chain support track 120.Center shaft 122, shaft driving sprocket 121, and drive chain supporttrack 120 are supported by take-off device shaft support structure 123.Outer shaft 124 fits around center shaft 122. Outer shaft 124 containsslot 125. Key 126 is attached to center shaft 122 and fits within slot125 which is in outer shaft 124. Key

126 within slot 125 allows outer shaft 124 to rotate in the same manneras the center shaft 122. Slot 125 in outer shaft 124 allows for up anddown movement of outer shaft 124 with respect to base 411 and centershaft 122. The various track arms, track arm braces, cradle armsupports, and cradle arm braces and swivel connections and otherportions of the take-off device are not numbered in FIG. 1 for thepurpose of clarity. These various parts of the take-off device are shownin detail in FIG. 14. The take-off device drops bags into conveyor belt174 which is on conveyor frame 173.

Below the level of the bottom surface 315 and around the center shaft 4of the bagger tank lies the machinery platform 110. As shown in FIG. 4,the machinery platform is supported by spoke-like supports 224, 225,226, and one more not shown which support the machinery platform and thebalance scale I system which is shown in FIG. 11. Rolled channel beam 87is a circular beam connected to the ends of spokelike supports 224, 225,226, and the spoke-like support not shown. The balance scale mechanismis supported on rolled channel beam 87, as shown in FIG. 11. Balancescale lower end support 355 is a rolled, round shaped angle iron whichalso rests on spoke-like supports 224, 225, 226, and the support notshown. The rolled channel beam 87 has an upper flange 108 and a lowerflange 109.

Various parts of the sweep up or spill collection device are shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, including trough 82, sweep arm 83, cone collector 84,outer sloping surface 85, inner sloping surface 86, cone drag chain 88,sweep arm drag chain 89, drag bar 90, sweep arm 93, cone collector 96,sweep arm drag chain 99, and cone drag chain 102 and other portions ofthe sweep up or spill collection device are shown in detail in FIGS. 5,6, and 7.

The spill collection device drops the swept up material into spillremoval dump hole 106 onto spill removal means 107 which may be aconveyor. The material in spill removal means 107 is then deposited inelevating means 175 which may be a conveyor or elevator to raise thematerial to the level of feed conveyor 176 where the material isdeposited back into a feed conveyor for recycling to the baggingmachine. Cover 177 of the bagger tank contains a feeder hole 178. Thematerial is deposited from the conveyor 176 through the feeder hold 178in cover 177 back into the bagger tank. Cover 177 does not rotate withthe bagger tank and is held by cover support members 179, 180, 181, and182. Cover support members 179 and 180 are attached to support beam 183which is rigidly attached to upper supporting structure 3. FIG. 2 showsthis cover on, but FIG. 1 does not show the cover on so that innersupporting structures may be shown. Supporting structure for cover 177on the left and the right side is shown in detail in FIG. 4, otheradditional support structures for cover 177 are contemplated, but arenot shown in the drawings. Supporting structure for the bagger tank,including support brace 185, pillow block bearings 186 and 187, angleframe foundation 194, upper foundation support 223, bearing shaft 198,are shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the bagging machine, cut-away to show supportmembers and leveling devices, also showing the position of cam 422 withrespect to the bagging machine. FIG. 4 is a section view of the baggingmachine taken at points AA in FIG. 3. The bagging machine has furthersupport and means for leveling the bagging machine, balance scale andmachinery platform, including a plurality of turnbuckle tie rods whichare connected between structural reinforcing supports and rolled channelbeam 87. Turnbuckle tie rod 210 is connected to rolled channel beam 87by nut anchor 227 and to structural reinforcing support 218 by bolt andnut anchor 235. Turnbuckle tie rod 211 is connected to roll channel beam87 by nut anchor 228 and to structural reinforcing support 218 by boltand nut anchor 235. Turnbuckle tie rod 212 is connected to rolledchannel beam 87 by nut anchor 229 and to structural reinforcing support219 by bolt and nut anchor 236. Turnbuckle tie rod 213 is connected torolled I channel beam 87 by nut anchor 230 and to structural reinforcingsupport 219 by bolt and nut anchor 236. Turnbuckle tie rod 214 isconnected to rolled channel beam 87 by nut anchor 231 and to structuralreinforcing support 220 by bolt and nut anchor 237. Turnbuckle tie rod215 is connected to rolled channel beam 87 by nut anchor 232 and tostructural reinforcing support 220 by bolt and nut anchor 237.Turnbuckle tie rod 216 is connected to rolled channel beam 87 by nutanchor 233 and to structural reinforcing support 221 by bolt and nutanchor 238. Turnbuckle tie rod 217 is connected to rolled channel beam87 by nut anchor 234 and to structural reinforcing support 221 by boltand nut anchor 238. Structural reinforcing support 218 is rigidlyconnected between supporting beam 9 and the junction of the slopinginterior shell surface of the bagger tank and the bottom surface of thebagger tank which is intersection 412. Structural reinforcing support219 is connected between supporting beam 7 and the intersection of thesloping interior shell surface 15 of the bagger tank and the bottomsurface labeled as intersection 413. Structural reinforcing support 220is rigidly connected between supporting beam 13 and the intersection ofthe sloping interior shell surface 15 of the bagger tank and the bottomsurface of the bagger tank labeled as intersection 414. Structuralreinforcing support 221 is rigidly connected between supporting beam 11and the intersection of sloping interior shell surface 15 of the baggertank and the bottom surface.

315 of the bagger tank labeled as intersection 415.

FIG. 3 shows the center shaft 4 of the bagging machine. Supporting beams7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,ancl 14 emanate from the center shaft.Structural reinforcing supports 218, 219, 220, and 221 are connectedbetween various supporting beams and various points at which the slopinginterior shell surface 15 of the bagger tank and the inner flange ofbottom surface 315 of the bagger tank intersect. Turnbuckle tie rods210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, and 217 are connected between thevarious structural reinforcing supports 218, 219, 220, and 221 androlled channel beam 87.

FIG. 4 shows upper supporting structure 3 from which support beams 183and 184 are attached. Cover support member 179 is connected betweensupport beam 183 and cover 177. Cover 177 is donut shaped and covers thebagger tank. Cover support member 180 is connected to support beam 183and cover support member 179. The cover 177 is rigidly attached to coversupport member 180. Similarly, cover support members 181 and 182 areconnected to support beam 184. Cover 177 is rigidly attached to coversupport member 182 as well as cover support member 180.

Rolled tee-bar 113 is rigidly connected to outer surface 1 of the baggertank. Welded sprocket chain 112 is welded onto rolled tee-bar 113 and isused to form a pillow block bearings 186 and 187 and is connected tosupport wheel 202..Rolled tee-bar 113 rests on support a 2 wheel 202 andreceives support therefrom. Rolled tee: bar 113 also receives supportfrom support wheel 203 along with two other support wheels not shown.Angle frame foundation 195 rests on upper foundation 222. Pillow blockbearings 188 and l89are bolted onto 1 angle frame foundation 195.Bearing shaft 199 runs through pillow block bearings 188 and 189andconnects to support wheel 203. Rolled tee-bar 113 rests on support wheel203 as well as the other three support wheels previously mentioned, andis thereon.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the four supporting structures which supportrolled tee-bar 113, only two of which are shown in FIG. 4. Angle framefoundation 196 rests on an upper foundation support (not shown). Pillowblock bearings 190 and 191 are bolted onto angle frame foundation 196.Bearing shaft 200 runs through pillow block bearings 190 and 191 to asupport 1 ing 208 rests in foundation support 209. The center shaft 4 ofthe bagging machine rotates with the entire machine in operation.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 show in detail the sweep up or spill collection deviceof the bagging machine. FIG. Sis a g 1 top view taken from a point belowthe machinery platform of the bagging machine. FIG. 6 is a section viewtaken at points B--B in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a section view taken at pointsCC in FIG. 6. The sweep up or spill collection device comprises foursets of chains, a cone,

and a sweep arm. The cones have a drag bar behind for balance so thatthe core will stay in an upright position.

The cone is dragged around the tank and tends to sweep up any spilledmaterial that is spilled fromand around the bags and spouts. Thepurpose'of the sweep up, or spill collection device is toreturn thespilled material back into the bagger tank. Each section that is draggedaround the circumference of the bagging ma-. chine has a sweep arm, acone collector, a sweeparm drag chain, a cone drag chain, and a conedragbar. FIG. 5 shows cone collector 96 with its associated cone dragbar 105, cone drag chain 102, sweep arm 93, and sweep arm drag chain 99.Cone 95 has cone drag bar 104, sweep arm 92, sweep arm drag chain 98,and cone drag chain 101. Cone collector 94 has cone drag chain 100, conedrag bar 103, sweep arm 91, and sweep arm drag chain 97. Cone collector84 has drag bar 90,

sweep arm 83, cone drag chain 88, and sweep arm drag chain 89. Spillremoval dump hole 106 and spill .removal means 107 are also shown inFIG. 5. Thecones or cone collectors are dragged through trough 82 whichis rigidly connected to inner sloping surface 86 and outer slopingsurface 85. Trough 82, inner sloping surface 86 and outer slopingsurface may be made of one piece construction with varying slopes anddesupported signs providing only that any material dropped thereon,would tend to settle in trough 82.

The drag chains for the cones are connected to rolled channel beam 87.When the rolled channel beam 87 is rotated along with the baggingmachine, the cone is dragged along the trough 82 to pick up excessmaterial in trough 82. The excess material gathered by the conecollectors is dropped into spill removal dump hole 106. The materialthen falls upon spill removal means 107 which may be a conveyor and isthen conveyed back up into the bagger tank by elevating means 175, feedconveyor 176, and feeder hole 178 in cover 177. There may be more thanone spill removal dump hole and more than one spill removal meansv Theymay be placed at different locations wherever convenient under thebagger tank to carry spilled material onto mechanisms that will feed thematerial back into the bagger tank. Elevating means 175 may be astandard bucket type elevator or any small elevating means which wouldcarry the spilled material back up to the tank where it could be fedonto feed conveyors, such as feed conveyor 176, or other feed mechanismsthat feed the main bagger tank in order to recycle the spilled materialback into the system. The cone may be just an ordinary sheet metal coneand the chain may be ordinary logging chain. The drag bar maintains thebalance of the cone so that the cone will stay in an upright position,being dragged on the outer edge of the cone for maximum efficiency inscouping up material.

In the configuration of this invention shown in the drawings, four setsof cones and supporting apparatus are placed at ninety degree anglesaround the spill collection device.

The spill collection device for the revolving machine, which bagsmaterial, includes material landing means located below the position inthe revolving machine where the material is bagged. The excess materialwill fall onto the material landing means. Material collection means isoperative to collect the material which falls onto the material landingmeans. Material return means is operative to return the excess materialwhich falls onto the material landing means to the revolving machine.

The material collection means comprises a plurality of collectors, suchas cone collectors 96, 95, 94, and 84, and a plurality of collector dragmeans, such as cone drag chains 102, 101, 100, and 88. The materialcollection means further comprises a plurality of sweep means, such assweep arms 92, 93, 91, and 83. The material collection means furthercomprises a plurality of sweep drag means, such as sweep arm drag chains89, 97, 98, and 99. The material collection means further comprises aplurality of balance means, each connected to one of the plurality ofcollectors and operative to maintain proper balance for the plurality ofcollectors. Cone drag bars 105, 104, 103, and 90 comprise a plurality ofbalance means.

The plurality of collectors may comprise a plurality of cones. Theplurality of collector drag means may comprise a plurality of chains.The plurality of sweep means may comprise a plurality of sweep arms. Theplurality of sweep drag means may comprise a plurality of chains. Theplurality of balance means may comprise a plurality of drag bars.

The material landing means may comprise a circular trough, such astrough 82, a circular outer sloping surface, such as outer slopingsurface 85 connected to the side of trough 82 opposite from the innersloping surface 86. The plurality of cones is dragged through circulartrough 82. The plurality of sweep arms is dragged on surface of circularouter sloping surface 85.

The material return means may comprise a plurality of spill removalholes, a plurality of spill removal means, and a plurality of elevatingmeans. The spill removal holes are located in the material landingmeans, such as spill removal dump hole 106, located in trough 82. Theplurality of spill removal means may be a plurality of conveyors, suchas spill removal means 107. The plurality of elevating means which areoperative to elevate the excess material andreturn the excess materialto the revolving machine. Other embodiments to perform the meansfunctions may occur to those skilled in the art and are contemplated bythis invention.

FIG. 8 is a plane front view showing a portion of the bagging machinesimpeller housings and impeller hydraulic control mechanisms showing acut-away view of a void containing the hydraulic control mechanisms.FIG. 8 shows voids 239, 240, and 241. Void 239 is shown in a cut-awayview in order to show the hydraulic control mechanisms that are situatedin the void. The hydraulic control mechanisms in void 239 are used withhydraulic motor 242. Every other void on the bagging machine hashydraulic control mechanisms because a hydraulic motor, such ashydraulic motor 242, is only required for every other impeller housingunit. FIG. 8 shows two voids with the hydraulic control mechanisms, void239 being a cut-away, and void 241 showing portions of the hydraulicmechanisms. Alternate voids not containing the hydraulic controlmechanisms, such as void 240, may be used as storage areas for variousair and electrical lines used within this invention. Void 239 is formedby sloped guide supports 302 and 303. Void 240 is formed by sloped guidesupports 304 and 305. Void 241 is formed by sloped guide supports 306and 307. These sloped guide supports are formed at an angle so that thefluidized material to be bagged will flow relatively easily and smoothlydown the sides of the sloped guide supports into the impeller housings.For example, fluidized material will flow down the sloped guide support303 and 304 and sloping interior shell surface 15 into impeller housing274. Material will flow down the sides of sloped guide supports 305 and306 into impeller housing 275. These guides form a triangular shapedvoid space furnishing ideal locations for the hydraulic air andelectrical control mechanisms.

In void 239, is shown hydraulic line 285 which comes from hydraulicpressure line header 284 and leads to hydraulic flow control valve 279.Hydraulic line 286 leads from hydraulic flow control valve 279 tohydraulic four-way directional control valve 282. Hydraulic four-waydirectional control valve 282 has start solenoid 293 and stop solenoid294. Hydraulic lines 291 and 292 lead from hydraulic four-waydirectional control valve 282 to hydraulic return line 288. Hydraulicreturn line 288 connects hydraulic motor 242 with hydraulic return lineheader 283. Pressure relief valve 280 is connected by hydraulic line 289to hydraulic line 287 and is connected by hydraulic line 290 tohydraulic return line 288.

Void 241 contains a similar hydraulic control mechanism set-up as invoid 239, and as would be in every other similar void on the baggingmachine. Shown in FIG. 8 is hydraulic line 297 leading from hydraulic

1. A take-off device for use with a revolving machine for removing bagsof material from said revolving machine comprising: a. revolving meansoperative to revolve said take-off device at a speed proportionate tothe speed of revolution of said revolving machine; b. a plurality of bagcarrying means on said take-off device operative to support said bagswhen said bags are taken from said revolving machine; c. positioningmeans operative to place said plurality of bag carrying means on saidtake-off device in proper position to remove said bags from saidrevolving machine.
 2. A take-off device according to claim 1 furthercomprising removal means operative to remove said bags from saidplurality of bag carrying means.
 3. A take-off device according to claim1 wherein said revolving means comprises: a. motor means; b. a firstwheel means physically connected to the output of said motor means andoperative to revolve said revolving machine; c. a second wheel meansphysically connected to the same output of said motor means as is saidfirst wheel means; d. a center shaft on said take-off device; e. shaftdriving means connected to said second wheel means and operative torevolve said center shaft of said take-off device.
 4. A take-off deviceaccording to claim 3 wherein said motor means comprises an electricalmotor, a speed reducer connected to said electrical motor, and an outputshaft emanating from said speed reducer.
 5. A take-off device accordingto claim 3 wherein said first and second wheel means are physicallyconnected to said output shaft of said speed reducer.
 6. A take-offdevice according to claim 3 wherein said shaft driving means comprises:a. a center shaft driving wheel means attached to the center shaft ofsaid take-off device; b. a drive chain driven by said second wheel meansand driving said center shaft driving wheel means.
 7. A take-off deviceaccording to claim 6 wherein said shaft driving means further comprisesa drive chain support track operative to support said drive chain.
 8. Atake-off device according to claim 7 wherein said shaft driving meansfurther comprises a shaft support structure operative to support saidcenter shaft and said center shaft driving wheel means.
 9. A take-offdevice according to claim 1 wherein said revolving means said take-offdevice six times for every one revolution of said revolving machine. 10.A take-off device according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of bagcarrying means comprises: a. an outer shaft; b. a plurality of holdingmeans connected to said outer shaft.
 11. A take-off device according toclaim 10 wherein said plurality of holding means comprises: a. aplurality of cradle arm supports connected to said outer shaft; b. aplurality of swivel connections each connected to one of said pluralityOf cradle arm supports; c. a plurality of bag cradles each connected toone of said plurality of swivel connections.
 12. A take-off deviceaccording to claim 11 wherein said plurality of bag cradles comprises:a. a plurality of cradle support sides each connected to one of saidplurality of swivel connections; b. a plurality of back and side arms,two of each connected to one of said plurality of cradle support sides;c. a plurality of cradle lifters, two of each connected to each two ofsaid plurality of back and side arms which are connected to one of saidplurality of cradle support sides.
 13. A take-off device according toclaim 12 wherein said plurality of holding means further comprises aplurality of cradle arm braces, each connected between said outer shaftand one of said plurality of cradle arm supports.
 14. A take-off deviceaccording to claim 13 wherein said plurality of holding means furthercomprises a plurality of rigid supports, each connected between one ofsaid plurality of swivel connections and one of said plurality of cradlesupport sides.
 15. A take-off device according to claim 1 wherein saidpositioning means comprises: a. movement allowing means operativewhereby said plurality of bag carrying means revolves with said take-offdevice proportionate to the speed of revolution of said revolvingmachine, but each of said plurality of bag carrying means is capable ofmovement up and down; b. up and down movement means operative to movesaid plurality of bag carrying means up and down.
 16. A take-off deviceaccording to claim 15 wherein said up and down movement means comprises:a. a base at the bottom of and circling said take-off device; b. aguiding track resting on said base; c. a plurality of wheels connectedto said plurality of bag carrying means, whereby said plurality ofwheels rides on said guiding track.
 17. A take-off device according toclaim 16 wherein said guiding track is structured to provide up and downmovement of said plurality of wheels.
 18. A take-off device according toclaim 17 wherein said guiding track is structured so that a graph, ofmovement of any one of said plurality of wheels versus time of movement,would be sinusoidal.
 19. A take-off device according to claim 15 whereinsaid revolving means comprises a center shaft on said take-off deviceand said plurality of bag carrying means comprises an outer shaft.
 20. Atake-off device according to claim 19 wherein said movement allowingmeans comprises: a. a slot located in said outer shaft; b. a key locatedon said center shaft and fitting through said slot in said outer shaft,whereby said key causes said outer shaft to revolve with said centershaft but allows up and down movement by said outer shaft along saidslot.
 21. A take-off device according to claim 12 wherein said take-offdevice is located with respect to said revolving machine so that eachpair of said plurality of cradle lifters along with two of saidplurality of back and side arms and one of said plurality of cradlesupport sides on said take-off device may remove a bag from one of aplurality of bag supports on said revolving machine.
 22. A take-offdevice according to claim 7 wherein said plurality of bag carrying meanscomprises: a. an outer shaft; b. a plurality of holding means connectedto said outer shaft.
 23. A take-off device according to claim 22 whereinsaid plurality of holding means comprises: a. a plurality of cradle armsupports connected to said outer shaft; b. a plurality of swivelconnections each connected to one of said plurality of cradle armsupports; c. a plurality of bag cradles each connected to one of saidplurality of swivel connections.
 24. A take-off device according toclaim 23 wherein said plurality of bag cradles comprises: a. a pluralityof cradle support sides each connected to one of said plurality ofswivel connections; b. a plurality of back and side Arms, two of eachconnected to one of said plurality of cradle support sides; c. aplurality of cradle lifters, two of each connected to each two of saidplurality of back and side arms which are connected to one of saidplurality of cradle support sides.
 25. A take-off device according toclaim 24 wherein said positioning means comprises: a. movement allowingmeans operative whereby said plurality of bag carrying means revolveswith said take-off device proportionate to the speed of revolution ofsaid revolving machine, but each of said plurality of bag carrying meansis capable of movement up and down; b. up and down movement meansoperative to move said plurality of bag carrying means up and down. 26.A take-off device according to claim 25 wherein said up and downmovement means comprises: a. a base at the bottom of and circling saidtake-off device; b. a guiding track resting on said base; c. a pluralityof wheels connected to said plurality of bag carrying means, wherebysaid plurality of wheels rides on said guiding track.
 27. A take-offdevice according to claim 26 wherein said revolving means comprises acenter shaft on said take-off device and said plurality of bag carryingmeans comprises an outer shaft.
 28. A take-off device according to claim27 wherein said revolving means revolves said take-off device six timesfor every one revolution of said revolving machine.
 29. A take-offdevice according to claim 2 wherein said removal means is a cam,operative to hit said plurality of bag carrying means as it revolves andto remove said bags therefrom.
 30. A take-off device according to claim3 wherein said first and second wheel means are sprockets.
 31. Atake-off device according to claim 6 wherein said center shaft drivingwheel means is a sprocket.